Tuesday, May 27, 2014

FLWs' Spirit Alive and Well at Graycliff

Well, we all know that Frank Lloyd Wright suggested to the Martin's that sailboats be launched in the pond in front of the house.  For the past several years I have been recounting that story to guests and telling them I had a secret desire to sneak a couple of sail boats into the pond without anyone knowing to honor that suggestion.  This past weekend was to be the finale of my long planned event.  I had bought and built two sailing ships. I had launched them in my bathroom sink to make sure they floated.  I had devised anchor lines and anchor to hold them steady in the pond against the flow of the pumps.  I had brought out a stick long enough to push the anchors far enough into the pond so they could not be easily retrieved. 

I came a bit earlier than my scheduled tours on memorial Day to do the deed.  I snuck past Shannon and hurried to the pond.  I went to the edge of the pond and gingerly set my little ships in the water at the edge AND THEY BOTH IMMEDIATELY ROLLED OVER AND SANK.  So much for the best laid plans.  Apparently I had not planned on the gentle breeze hitting the sails and rolling them over.  However, never one to miss a photographic opportunity I snapped some pics of my snappy little boats looking like they are sailing in the pond, even if only for a moment.  ( Those of you more astute than others might notice they are actually sitting on the pond edge, but they look good, don't they?)  Maybe in another two years I will come up with some that actually float.  Back to the drawing board.  George S.




Wednesday, May 21, 2014

What is a Cyma Molding, and other Unusual Questions....

On our tours, visitors often ask questions about architecture that leave us stumped.  Or we're doing some reading on Wright or other historic architecture, and run across a term with which we are unfamiliar.  Our own George Struebel has agree to answer our questions, and those from our visitors.  As you run across such terms...or if you have a few  that have already piqued your curiosity, please leave a comment to this post, and George will provide us all with the answers!

cy·ma  (sī′mə)
n.
Either of two moldings, cyma recta or cyma reversa, having an undulating or S-shaped profile, used especially in classical architecture. Also called cymatium.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.